Tensions Between Noem and Homan at Homeland Security

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and President Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, have had minimal communication due to significant disagreements regarding the administration’s approach to border enforcement.

According to Axios, despite the ongoing friction, neither Noem nor Homan is at risk of losing their positions.

Trump recently mentioned to an adviser, who shared this with the outlet, that “Christie is doing a great job.” The adviser elaborated, saying, “She and Tom don’t get along, but they get along very well.”

“That’s just the way Trump is,” the adviser noted. “He appreciates competition among his Cabinet members; he believes it leads to better outcomes.”

Another White House adviser, who has a negative opinion of Noem, expressed that while Trump is satisfied with his Cabinet, he wouldn’t advocate for Noem’s removal, at least not openly.

The reasons behind the tension between Noem, 54, and Homan, 64, aren’t fully clear. However, Axios reports that career immigration officials are upset with Noem’s management style at DHS, especially her promotion of initiatives like the CBP Home Voluntary Return App.

Additionally, there are concerns about the influence of Noem’s top advisor, Corey Lewandowski, who has been classified as a special public servant and is limited to a 130-day tenure in the administration.

Noem’s supporters have labeled Homan a self-promoter, referencing her frequent appearances on Fox News and her interactions with the White House press corps.

In October, Fox News reported that Noem, along with Lewandowski and Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino, were advocating for random roundups of undocumented individuals as a means to boost deportation numbers. In contrast, Homan and acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement Commissioner Todd Lyons were focused on prioritizing those with criminal backgrounds.

A senior DHS official remarked, “ICE initially operated under the worst conditions, knowing all the targets. But with the Border Patrol’s involvement in L.A. since June, we’ve lost our focus and worked too hard, too quickly, with limited priorities.” Another official elaborated, stating that “ICE is arresting criminal aliens,” while the Border Patrol is conducting operations in various communities.